In January 2025 the diocese Lwena in the east of Angola suffered a devastating blow. The rector of the propaedeutic seminary was travelling with two of the young students to the capital Luanda, around 750 miles (1200 km) away. Having already covered around 450 miles (700 km), their vehicle lost a front wheel, came off the road and crashed headlong into a tree. Both the rector and the two young students were killed on the spot.
Bishop Martín Lasarte is still shaken to the core by this disaster. He writes, „As soon as I heard, I drove directly to the site of the accident and brought back the bodies of the victims to their families. It was terribly painful.“
At present there are 48 young men studying in the propaedeutic, or pre-seminary – a preliminary stage before the full major seminary. The tragic death of the rector has been a terrible loss, as their bishop explains: „No project and no money in the world can ever replace such an outstanding priest as Father Loureiro. He was a radiant witness of joyful fidelity and total devotion.“ And he adds, „Needless to say, I can‘t ask you for a new rector, outstanding priest that he was. But at least I can ask you to support us with a new vehicle.“
This is urgently needed, of course, since the seminary‘s one and only vehicle was a total write-off in the accident. And a vehicle is also important for pastoral work in the parish of Our Lady of Fatima, which the priests at the seminary are helping to run and which is situated in a remote rural region, where the distances are considerable and the road conditions poor.
How could we possibly refuse this appeal from Bishop Lasarte? We have already sent him 30,000 Euros so that he can purchase a new and sturdy vehicle, suited to the difficult road conditions. For the training of these young men, which Father Loureiro began with such dedication, must continue, so that some of them can one day themselves become worthy priests and bring Jesus Christ to others. And the Catholic faithful of the parish of Our Lady of Fatima are likewise waiting for a visit from the priest. Will you help us to cover the cost of this new vehicle?
Bishop Lasarte has written to say, „I am so grateful for everything that ACN has done for our diocese. And may the Lord send us many holy priests!“
